Kaiser Permanente Northern California (San Francisco) Program
Location:
San Francisco, CASpecialty:
NephrologyACGME Code:
1480514001The Kaiser Permanente Northern California Nephrology Fellowship is a 24-month ACGME-accredited program based in San Francisco. This program focuses on training future leaders in nephrology, emphasizing clinical skills and research opportunities for fellows.
Program Overview
Every year, the program admits two fellows through the NRMP match, highlighting its competitive nature. The mission is to cultivate compassionate and skilled professionals capable of serving diverse patient populations. The fellowship encompasses extensive training within the integrated health system of Kaiser Permanente, renowned for its commitment to clinical excellence in nephrology.
Training Sites
Fellows primarily train at Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center. Additionally, they gain experience at Kaiser Permanente Oakland, which is equipped with a varied patient demographic. The fellowship includes essential training in palliative care and home dialysis therapies at the Santa Clara facility, which houses the largest peritoneal dialysis unit in Northern California. Fellows participate in kidney transplant rotations at UCSF and Kaiser Permanente's Kidney Transplant Clinics, ensuring a holistic training experience in all aspects of nephrology.
Curriculum and Rotations
The curriculum is designed to fulfill the guidelines set forth by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). Fellows rotate through inpatient and outpatient nephrology, dialysis therapies, and glomerular diseases. The schedule includes:
- Continuity clinic for outpatient care, running throughout the fellowship
- One month of inpatient consultation at Kaiser Oakland
- Outpatient home dialysis rotations occurring at KP Santa Clara
- Kidney transplant rotations at UCSF each year
- Hybrid kidney pathology rotations at Stanford University
Each rotation is structured to reinforce comprehensive clinical training while fostering research engagement.
Research Opportunities
Research is a vital component of the fellowship. Fellows are encouraged to participate in clinical research, guided by the KP Division of Research. Through collaborations with faculty, fellows can engage in diverse research projects, attend national meetings, and present their findings. The program supports research activities through internal funding and mentorship, preparing fellows for future academic endeavors.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Kaiser Permanente Nephrology Fellowship values diversity and inclusion. The program employs a holistic application review process that considers various aspects, including race, ethnicity, socio-economic backgrounds, and unique personal experiences. This approach fosters a rich learning environment and contributes to addressing healthcare disparities.
Application Requirements
Alongside competitive application processes and interviews, the fellowship also considers factors such as year of graduation and board exam performance. Applicants must be prepared to showcase a dedication to nephrology and a commitment to research and education throughout the application process.
Visa Support
The program provides support for fellows requiring visa sponsorship, specifically for J-1 and H-1B visa types. This enables international medical graduates to apply and participate in the fellowship, extending the opportunity to a wider range of applicants.
Benefits and Work-Life Balance
The fellowship offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a competitive salary and generous vacation allowances. Fellows are entitled to 20 days of vacation time and an additional 5 days of educational leave per academic year, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance.
Fellow Community
The program encourages collaborative learning among fellows, providing opportunities to connect academically and socially. Fellows are supported through mentorship, engaging in various conferences and educational sessions throughout their training, enhancing their overall experience.
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$101,504First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
San Francisco, CA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in San Francisco, CA
- Crime Rate and Safety: San Francisco has a higher crime rate compared to many other cities in the country. However, certain neighborhoods are safer than others. It's essential to research the safety of the specific area where you plan to live.
- Fun Activities: San Francisco offers a vibrant cultural scene, numerous restaurants, art museums, parks, and beautiful beaches. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and water sports.
- Climate: San Francisco has a mild climate with cool summers and rainy winters. The city is known for its foggy weather, especially during the summer months.
- Races and Population: San Francisco is a diverse city with a mix of races and ethnicities. It is known for its open-mindedness and acceptance of all cultures.
- Education: The city is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, offering opportunities for learning and research.
- Cost of Living: San Francisco has a high cost of living, especially in terms of housing. It's important to consider this when planning your budget.
- Proximity to Other Cities: San Francisco is close to other major cities like Oakland, Berkeley, and San Jose. Driving times to these cities vary but are generally within an hour's range.
- Pros: Rich cultural scene, diverse population, opportunities for outdoor activities, and renowned educational institutions.
- Cons: High cost of living, traffic congestion, and certain areas may have safety concerns.
Interview Questions
